Livingston Reporting - page 231

Benefits of Installing A Driveway Entry Gate

Homeowners often think of ways to improve their homes safety.  The first place many begin is with a driveway security entry gate.  As you start researching the installation of a security gate consider the benefits that come along with it besides the added security to your family and home.

List of Benefits That Come Along with Installing an Electronic Driveway Gates

Increased property value: Adding an electronic driveway entry gate to your home enhances the property value of your home.  Installing a new remote entry gate adds equity to your home value.  In fact the cost of the gate is likely to improve the equity on the home above and beyond the actual cost of the electronic gate materials, installation and maintenance services.

Enhanced aesthetics: A new driveway entry gate improves the look of your landscape.  Gates come in a variety of styles, colors, sizes and materials.  You can match the entry gate to your fencing for an enhanced look to your hard.

Remote entry: With remote entry an access entry is the most convenient way in and out of your home.  You never have to leave the car to access entry to the home with the use of access control systems.  A remote access gate works much like a garage door.  Another feature that is extremely handy is that ability to power the fence on a timer.  Once you drive through the fence it will automatically close a few seconds later.

Reduced insurance premiums: Many insurance companies will reduce the premiums for homeowners that have driveway entry gates.  They are highly secure and effective at securing and protecting your family and property from outsiders.  This is of an increased benefit to insurers as the added protection makes your home less inviting to intruders thus less likely you will ever need to file a claim.

Privacy: Electronic entry gates can be made from a variety of materials including wood, chain link, aluminum, wrought iron and more.  If you desire a gate that secludes the yard choose a solid fence material like wood.  A wooden electronic gate when used in combination with privacy fencing allows for a complete seclusion of your home.

Improved security: Electronic entry gates improve safety for a number of reasons including:

The gate itself is designed to block out intruders and prevent physical access to the home and family.

Camera can be installed on the gate so that homeowners can verify who is asking for entry before allowing access to the home.  Cameras can also detect intruders trying to access the space 24/7.

Intercoms can be placed by the entry to permit people to request entry.

The installation of an electronic driveway gate improves the safety of your home.  It also adds convenience to entry with the use of remote controls and keypad entry.  The overall value of a driveway gate is seen over and over with the various benefits it adds to your home.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic driveway gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

Projects That Add Value to Your Home

Kitchen Renovations: The kitchen is the main hub of the home.  Updates within the kitchen go a long way in increasing the value of the property and building your homes equity.  When you invest in the kitchen it is possible to recoup around sixty to one hundred and twenty percent of the investment that was put into the home improvement project.  The kitchen renovations should be kept within reason; don’t ever make the kitchen more impressive than the rest of the home or homes within the neighborhood.   Avoid the mistakes below:

1) Stop over Upgrading: Don’t invest sixty thousand dollars in a kitchen in a neighborhood that is full of first time home buyers with houses in the low hundred thousand.  The investment will not pay out in the end.  The style, size and quality of the kitchen remodel should remain similar to those in the neighborhood.

2) Paint is Important: Kitchens are easily freshened up with a coat of fresh paint.  Paint is relatively cheap and an update in color can really clean up the kitchen.  Make sure the color of the paint is a neutral color that can allow buyers to see themselves within the space.

3) Eco-Friendly Appliances: Energy efficiency is important in all home improvements but especially crucial when it comes to updating your kitchen appliances.  Appliances with energy star ratings are not only good for the environment but are also less expensive for potential buyers to operate.

4) Bathroom Upgrades:  A bathroom renovation is another terrific way to invest in your home.  Adding a bathroom or updating an existing bathroom is a home improvement many homeowners chose.  A new bathroom can recoup anywhere from eighty to one hundred thirty percent of the investment made.  Again, be careful that you don’t over upgrade.  Don’t invest in overly expensive faucets or tubs.  The renovation style should stay in line with that of the overall home while noting other bathroom additions in neighborhood homes

5) Reinvent a Room: Take a space within the home and reinvent it.  Finish a basement, upgrade an attic or improve the space above the garage to add additional square foot to your home.  Consider potential uses for the space before beginning the renovation process.  Rooms that are versatile are a great bonus to potential buyers.  Basements can be transformed into extra living space that can be used as a living room, playroom or apartment for rent.  Attic spaces are great additional spaces for craft rooms, play rooms and more.  Usually an attic space will be renovated to accentuate the higher ceilings.

These are just a few of the ways to make home improvements that will bring value to your home when you go to sell it later on down the road.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Prepare For the Spring Real Estate Rush

When it comes to real estate the busiest buying season of the year for residential real estate is the spring.  The long northern winters make buyers and sellers alike ready to take advantage of the nicer weather and jump into the real estate market.  No matter whether you are a first time home buyer or you have been in the market awhile there are some essential home buying tips to follow in order to ensure you find the home of your dreams.

Tip #1 For Buying A Home:  Enlist the Assistance of a Professional Real Estate Agent

When it comes to buying a home it is important that you enlist the help pf a professional real estate agent.  It is important to find an agent that is local to the area that make the challenge of narrowing down your search for the perfect home a whole lot easier.  Real estate professionals have the inside scoop on homes in their market this is incredibly crucial when looking for a home during the spring when the market is active and full of buyers.

Tip #2 For Buying A Home:  Make a List of That Includes Your Needs and Wants

Understand what you need and want in a home.  A home isn’t only about the actual house it is a total package the neighborhood, the property and more.  Some needs may be a certain number of bedrooms and bathrooms, a garage and a fenced in yard.  Wants are things that aren’t needed but desired such as a gourmet kitchen, a weight room or an in-ground swimming pool.

Tip #3 For Buying A Home: Get Pre-Qualified For a Mortgage

Sellers are more apt to approve an offer from buyers who are already pre-approved.  It is also an important measure in the hunt for the perfect home.  A mistake that buyers often make is over estimating just how much they can afford.  Meet with a mortgage broker as soon as you start thinking about purchasing a home.  Mortgage brokers will give you several mortgage options for your financial situation which will allow you to know the price range of homes that you should be looking at.

Tip #4 For Buying A Home: Keep Your Numbers Top of Mind

Don’t assume that the mortgage payment is the only payment that will increase when you purchase a home.  You will not only need to know the monthly payments it will be important to know the cost of PMI, primary mortgage insurance, the tax expense, water and sewer bills, extra utility costs and more.

Tip #5 For Buying A Home: Prepare Documentation Ahead of Time

In order to ensure the entire process of finding a home and financing that home is smooth buyers should prepare for the onslaught of paperwork.  Begin the process by compiling needed documents into a single location.  You will want copies of government issued identification, tax returns, pay stub information, bank statements, investment documentation and anything that stats your income and debt.

These five tips can make the home buying process a whole lot simpler.   No matter if you are a first time home buyer or have been a part of the real estate market for a number of years these tips can help make sure you get the home of your dreams.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Time and Patience Needed When Buying A New Home

The entire process of buying a home takes time and patience.  Home buyers are excited and often times a bit overenthusiastic to get into the home of their dreams.  This fanatical excitement can often leave home buyers to sabotage their real estate agents efforts at getting their client a home of their dreams.  When working with a realtor here are some things to be aware of to ensure a smooth home buying process.  Creating a relationship of mutual understanding between realtor and client is essential for buyers to get the home of their dreams.

Are You Guilty of Sabotaging Your New Home Dreams?

One mistake many buyers make is that they care too much about the homes aesthetics.  Professional real estate agents are happy to show you just as many houses as desire until you find the one that is perfect for you.  The problem is that many buyers can only see the beauty as it is and forget that the splendor of any home is more than meets the eye.  Initially, it may be tempting to get caught up in how the house currently looks however a house that is out of date, dirty or in need of some small handyman repairs buyers are often tempted to run and continue their search elsewhere.

Buyers should consider this instead:

The cost of improvements that need to be done to the home can be negotiated into the closing deal.  It can even be set up that the minor fixes that you would like to see done can be included in the details of the contract.

Another common mistake is that buyers often show their hand and give away any ability to negotiate.  Your comfort with your real estate agent is crucial however don’t let it get in the way of making the best deal possible with the seller.  It has happened before; many buyers start talking a bit too much when looking at homes and sellers overhear their criticisms.  When this occurs it could hurt the entire negotiation process.

When you find the home you love don’t make the mistake of waiting too long to put an offer on the table.  In a competitive real estate market there isn’t a lot of time to wait to make an offer.   Nothing drives a real estate agent nuttier than knowing they have found their buyer the perfect home and yet they aren’t ready to commit.  If you find a home you are in love with put an offer in, get the negotiation process started and begin planning for your future.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that buying a home is all about money.  Yes a large offer looks appealing but a lower offer with few contingencies and the perfect timing can appear even more tempting.

It is important to listen to your real estate agent throughout the entire process.  When you discuss with them what you want and need they are listening to you.  They are the professionals and this is what you are paying them for.  Be sure to put your faith in them, take to heart their advice and allow them to guide you down the path to homeownership.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

Is It Finally Time To Talk With A Bankruptcy Attorney

How do you know if it is finally the time for you to throw in the financial towel and start a serious discussion about filing for bankruptcy?  The term itself is one that invokes an array of emotions: failure, sadness, defeat, relief, disappointment and more.  Bankruptcy doesn’t just involve individuals it is also something that can occur to corporate companies.  In a world where living in debt seems to be the norm how do you know when it is time to finally call it quits and meet with a bankruptcy attorney to seek relief.

When assessing if you are in the financial disaster zone there are a few questions to ask yourself.

1)      Is it only financially possible for you to make the minimum payment on your credit cards?

2)      Do you have bill collectors calling you on a regular or semi-regular basis?

3)      When you think about sitting down and working out a plan for your financial future are you scared?  Do you feel like your life is spinning out of control?

4)      Are you using your credit cards for necessities such as gas and groceries?

5)      Have you considered debt consolidation?

6)      Does it make you nervous to total the amount you actually owe?

If you have answered yes to more than one of the questions about it is possible that you need to give our financial situation a serious look.  Bankruptcy is a very viable solution when you actually owe more than you can afford on a regular basis.

The first step is to make a list of your liquid assets.  This should include items such as real estate, stocks, bonds, college savings accounts, non-bank assets, real estate and more.  A rough estimate of these figures should be good enough for these purposes.

The next step is to create a detailed list of bills and credit card statements.  When the value of your assets is less than the amount of debt that you owe one way out of this situation is speaking with a bankruptcy attorney and declaring bankruptcy.  This is not an issue that is ever easy.  Bankruptcy is not a simple, sure all for debt that is spinning out of control.

Bankruptcy can happen in two different manners.  The most common routes for individuals and corporations is to voluntarily consult with an attorney who will assist you through the proper channels in filing bankruptcy.  A second manner in which bankruptcy is filed is that creditors ask the court to order individuals into bankruptcy.

Bohikian Law Group specializes in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies in Michigan. Contact us today to find a bankruptcy attorney that will help you in debt relief at http://www.bohikianlaw.com/ today.

Deciphering Antique Cane Condition Descriptions

Vintage cane prices vary significantly depending on a number of aspects.  Antique cane prices differ due to the condition of the cane, the canes materials and the age of the cane.  When you are purchasing a classical cane it is important inspect these three things before committing to purchase an antique cane for your collection.

Definitions of Cane Conditions

New Cane Conditions

When an antique cane is listed as a cane in new condition it means that the cane itself has never been used.    The cane is in perfect condition and should show absolutely no signs of deterioration.  Yellowing or discoloration is not uncommon when certain materials are used in the construction of a cane.  It is also important to make note that a cane that is antique may be fragile because of the overall age of the cane.

Like New or Mint Cane Conditions

Vintage canes that are listed in like new or mint condition may have been used at some point but show very little signs of wear.  Overall, most of the canes original components are in place in canes listed in like new or mint condition.  Caps and tips may not be the original ones that the cane came with but the overall appearance of the cane should be restored to their original appearance.

Used Cane Conditions

Used is vague when involving antique canes especially with sellers that have little experience with vintage items.  In order to determine a fair market value for a cane listed in used condition should be heavily inspected by the individual looking to purchase it.  Examine the vintage canes condition in order to allow a value to be placed on the piece.  Consider the material that the cane is created from as well as the canes age and used condition before settling on a solid price to pay for a cane in this condition.

Good Cane Conditions:  A vintage cane in good condition is one that is still fully functions.  It will show normal signs of wear and deterioration.  Original components will make up most of the cane but it is important to note that a replacement handle, cap or tip may be in place.  If you are purchasing antique canes based upon the originality of the pieces handle a cane that’s handle has been replaced is probably not the best option to add to your collection.

Poor Cane Conditions:  Antique cane conditions that are listed in poor shape will often show incredible amounts of wear and tear.  In order to publically use these canes users will want to restore them.  Poor condition canes are hardly ever purchased to add to a true collector’s collection.

For Salvage Canes Conditions:   Canes listed in salvage condition should be considered part only canes.  Canes in these conditions are only being sold for parts.  If a collector is looking for a specific knob or badge for canes in their collections they should look for canes in salvageable condition.

Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas.  Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.

Year Round Roofing Maintenance Tips

Your homes roof is in charge of shielding your family from the elements.  With your homes roof in constant defense mode it is important that it can continue to take a beating after years of wear and tear. In the northern climates the weather can go from below zero to seventy in less than a day or two.  We can experience wind and hail storms as severe as those living on the coast; it is inevitable that our roofs will be put to the test over and over again.  It is crucial that we continue to work and maintain the roofs structural integrity.

Roofing contractors are no strangers to the expense that is put on homeowners who need to replace their homes roof.  It is a costly procedure and when done incorrectly can jeopardize the entire foundation and structure of the home.  Most homeowners will only have to replace roofing once or twice in their lives.  It is not a process that most will need to become ultra familiar with.  To ensure that your roof has a long life and to minimize costly repairs, routine maintenance should be done on your homes roof.

Regularly Inspect Roofing Shingles

Shingles are the most visible aspect of your homes roof.  The shingles play a major part in keeping the barriers underneath dry.  If moisture is allowed to seep below the shingling the materials underneath may become moist and serious damage can occur. It may not seem like missing a shingle or to is that big of a deal however when left untreated a missing or damaged shingle can cause damage to the structure of the roof.

Roofing contractors also state that homeowners should evaluate the condition of the asphalt shingling.  If the granules that make up the shingle are starting to wear away the roof’s underlayment will quickly deteriorate due to the exposure to the hot sun.  If you start to notice a great deal of asphalt granules in the homes gutters it may be time to consider complete roof replacement. If you notice only a few bare shingles you may get by with replacing just those few.

Look For Leaks In The Attic

Checking for leaks is something that can be done inside of the home as well as outside.  The first place to look is the ceilings within the interior of the home.   If you can see any areas of discoloration or difference in the texture of the roofing it’s time to move to the attic.  Enter the attic on a super sunny day and look for any sun that shines through.  If you can see the light that means you have found the point of entrance for water.

Leaks are easier to repair when they are small and manageable.  Checking the homes attic for holes of light and repairing the issue is a more reasonable repair then when the damage is visible on the ceiling of the rooms within your home.  Take time to inspect the attic twice a year.  A quick peek can save you from having to replace the homes roof and ceilings.

Regular, simple roofing maintenance checks can save homeowners from costly roof repairs or replacements. Maintain your roof to allow it to continue to do the job it is meant to do.  A homes roof should last between twenty and thirty years when preventive maintenance checks are done and minor repairs are completed.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Purchasing New, Re-Furbished or Used Manufacturing Equipment

Many entrepreneurs believe that purchasing new manufacturing equipment is the option when replacing failing machinery.  Sometimes buying a new piece of equipment is the only option.  This is true when technology has changed and used or refurbished equipment will not keep pace with the changes.  Other times the technology stays consistent; the perfect time to save your company some money with the purchase of used or refurbished manufacturing equipment.  Assess the needs of your company to decide if new, used or refurbished equipment is the best option for your company.

Consider the following:

Initial Expense
Operating Costs
Product Warranties
Equipment Guarantees
After Sales Support
Safety
New Equipment Purchase

Buying new manufacturing equipment provides many advantages; the number one benefit is the technology updates that are offered when using new equipment.  Brand new manufacturing equipment offers your facility a competitive edge and can influence the efficiency of your facility.  Another benefit of purchasing new equipment is the ability to purchase extended warranties, service plans and the advantage that new equipment brings “piece of mind” to the purchaser.  The downfall, new equipment is expensive.  Be sure to budget in the cost for set up and training.

Refurbished Equipment Purchase

Purchasing refurbished equipment or refurbished electronic parts to repair equipment is a great alternative for companies.  Refurbished electrical components and refurbished equipment is full disassembled, repaired, updated and then reassembled.  Refurbished equipment is less expensive than new equipment often including similar warranties, customer service and guarantees depending on the manufacturer that equipment is purchased through.

Used Equipment Purchase

When choosing to purchase used manufacturing equipment it can surely be less expensive initially out of pocket.  The overall cost of the equipment and components for repairs can be only a fraction of the original cost of new equipment.  Many companies will sell DEMO manufacturing equipment as used machinery.  When buying used manufacturing equipment is up to you to check out the overall condition of the equipment.  You will want to see the equipment in working order to ensure it is in order.   Also, be sure to have complete proper documentations on the equipment whenever you purchasing used manufacturing equipment.  This will make buying components to repair equipment simpler if it is to malfunction.

No matter what you choose, new, used or refurbished, it is crucial that the equipment meets safety standards.  The equipment must be safe to use.  Make sure to also do a cost analysis; what is the difference between purchasing new equipment and keeping refurbished and used equipment running in like new condition.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

Understanding How Radiation Therapy Works

Many patients going through radiation therapy don’t truly understand how their tumors are shrunk or the cancer cells killed.  It is a complex procedure that many physicians are not able to simplify for patience just learning they have cancer.  It is a term that is commonly tossed out in the treatment plan of various cancers; it is crucial that individuals understand exactly what the treatment they are being prescribed will look like.  In this ongoing series on radiation therapy we will continue to look into the answers to questions many patients and loves ones are asking.

How does radiation kill cancer cells and shrink tumors using various radiation therapy and different techniques?

In radiation therapy the actual DNA of the cancer cells and tumors is damaged.  DNA refers the combination of unique molecules each of us is made from.  The molecules are carried within the cells.  The cells are actually carrying the genetic information, or molecules, that we pass between generations.  Individuals are created from a combination of cells that carry the molecules that carry our unique database of genetics; this genetic database is what radiation therapy is in charge of destroying.

This can occur in two different ways.  Radiation therapy can damage DNA directly thus creating a cell that can no longer repair itself or divide leading to the death of the cell.  Once the cell is damaged and dies it is then broken down into the body and naturally eliminated.

How does radiation therapy only kill those cells that are cancerous?

It doesn’t; that is the most truthful answer when someone asks how radiation therapy knows only to damage the cancerous cells.  In truth healthy normal cells can be damaged which leads to unpleasant side effects.  When planning for treatment the damage that can potentially be done to healthy cells is accounted for.

There is a certain amount of radiation that normal, healthy tissue can safely receive before any real side effects are reported.  Each part of the body is different and therefor a different treatment is used as called for.  External radiation using linear accelerator equipment may be used for more sensitive areas where as internal radiation, brachytherapy, is used on areas where tissue is hardier.  Knowing this information allows doctors to specifically target radiation throughout therapy.

From here our next installment will take a deeper look into why doctors chose to use radiation therapy over other treatments for cancer as well as how a plan is individualized to each specific patient.  As in treatment options of many diseases there is not a one size fits all treatment plan for cancer.  Linear accelerator equipment treating cancer through external radiation may work well with patients of a certain age with certain cancers where it would be ineffective for others.  Our next installment will further look into the answers to why and how questions in radiation therapy.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Treating Cancer Using Radiation Therapy Explained

There are many articles that talk about cancer and treatments for cancers.  Many are written in terms that the average person can’t fully comprehend.  This series of articles will discuss radiation therapy and how it is used to treat cancer.  It is difficult to get a cancer diagnosis for you or someone you love only to find that one of the main treatment options needs a medical degree to understand.  That is where articles like this help.

When treating cancer a term that is often used is radiation.  Many people will ask if the patient will be going through chemotherapy, radiation or a combination.  The problem is that the answer that is given is usually a combination or radiation alone but the reality is the patient hardly understands what that means.  Cancer treatments deserve to be spoken about in terms that all patients can understand and explain to their loved ones.

What exactly is radiation therapy?

In order to fully understand radiation therapy it is important to grasp exactly what radiation is.  There are two main definitions of radiation both which apply when discussing radiation therapy.

1)      Radiation is the discharge of energy in waves or the travel of subatomic particles, particles even smaller than an atom itself.  Most often radiation is used to describe ionization, generally speaking the process that an atom takes to form ions.  An ion is an atom that has either a positive or negative charge.  Positive ions are bad and negative ions are good.

2)      Radiation is also used to convey discharge outward from one central location.

In radiation therapy there are multiple types of radiation that can be used to shrink tumors and kill cancerous cells: x-rays, gamma rays and charged (negatively) particles.  High amounts of radiation in any of the three forms is delivered in treatment.

The process of radiation therapy occurs in one of two different methods.  The first method of radiation delivery is with the use of a machine such as a linear accelerator.  A linacs machine delivers radiation outside of the body.  This is known as external (outside) beam radiation therapy; literally a beam of radiation is sent through to the inside of your body.

The second method in which radiation can be delivered through sealed radioactive material that is placed close to the cancerous cells within the body.  This is often referred to as internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy.

Another form of radiation therapy is systemic radiation therapy which distributes radioactive substances that travels through the blood to kill cancerous cells.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer there is a good chance that you will require some form of radiation therapy; in fact fifty percent of cancer patients do receive radiation therapy at one point or another during their treatment plan.  Not all radiation therapy uses linear accelerator equipment in delivery.  There are multiple methods of distributing radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.

We will further our discussion on radiation therapy for cancer treatments in out next installment.  Patience experiencing radiation therapy deserve to understand in greater detail the treatment they are receiving.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.